Maldives' Opposition Leader Ibrahim Mohamed Solih Wins Presidential Election

 Ibrahim Mohamed Solih 

The Maldives’ opposition leader Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has won Sunday’s presidential election, urging incumbent Abdulla Yameen to ensure a peaceful transition of power following his shock defeat.

With more than 90 percent of the ballots counted, Solih, popularly known as Ibu, won with 58.3 percent of the votes, prompting street celebrations across the tropical archipelago.

Yameen also secured 41.7 percent of the votes, losing to Solih with a margin of 16, the biggest since the advent of democracy in the Maldives in 2008.

“This is a moment of happiness, a moment of hope. This is a journey that has ended at the ballot box because the people willed it,” Solih told a gathering of his supporters outside his campaign center in the capital, Male.

“The message is loud and clear. The people of Maldives want change, peace and justice. I would like to call on President Yameen to accept the will of the people and begin a smooth transition of power as per the constitution,” he added.

The 59-year-old Yameen, whose half-brother had ruled the Maldives for 30 years until 2008, faces accusations of suppressing key dissidents. Prior to the vote, many critics had said the process would be rigged in the incumbent’s favour.

The official results won’t be announced until September 30.

Solih would be sworn in as the Maldives’ fourth president since the country transitioned from decades of monarchical and authoritarian rule to democracy in 2008.





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